Associations of Tai Chi With Depression and Anxiety Among Older Adults: Nationwide Study Findings From a Network Perspective

Within the global population, depression and anxiety are common among older adults. Tai Chi is believed to have a positive impact on these disturbances. This study examined the network structures of depression and anxiety among older Tai Chi practitioners vs non-practitioners. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to construct a non-practitioner group based on Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data. 346 Tai Chi practitioners and 1019 non-practitioners were included. The prevalence and severity rates of depression were significantly lower among Tai Chi practitioners compared to non-practitioners though there was no group difference for anxiety. Network analysis showed that, among Tai Chi practitioners, "Felt sadness", "Uncontrollable worrying" and "Trouble relaxing" were the most central symptoms. In contrast, among non-practitioners, the most central symptoms were "Felt sadness", "Uncontrollable worrying", and "Nervousness". Key bridge symptoms linking depressive and anxiety symptoms were "Worry too much", "Bothered by things" and "Uncontrollable worrying" in Tai Chi practitioners and "Nervousness", "Felt nervous/fearful" and "Sleep quality" in non-practitioners. This study underscored how practising Tai Chi is associated with reduced overall prevalence and severity of depression and different interactions of depressive and anxiety symptoms among older adults. Central and bridge symptoms differed between Tai Chi practitioners and non-practitioners.